A turf roof and solar slates are just two of the green innovations which have been used to revamp buildings at one of Cornwall's most spectacular locations.

The National Trust will open the historic buildings and new visitor facilities at Kynance Cove on Friday.

The two-year project uses the latest technologies designed to harness renewable energy.

The living turf roof enables the purpose-built green lavatories to blend into the landscape.

The new toilets, which are surrounded by hedges, have their own biobubble - a self-contained, fully biological and ultraviolet treatment system for sewage and cafe waste, to ensure high-quality water standards for beach users.

Previously, a visit to the nearest public toilets would require a 15-minute walk involving a climb of more than 200 feet to the main car park.

The new roof of the café has 580 solar slates

The new roof of the café has 580 solar slates, which look just like normal slates, to generate electricity to power the site and also contribute to the National Grid.

Over the past year, the slates have produced enough electricity to light a three-bedroom house for eight years.

Wool insulation

Solar thermal panels will generate hot water for the café and toilets at the site, which attracts more than 150,000 visitors every year, while natural wool insulation has been used in the restoration of the buildings.

The Trust said the restoration and enhancement work reflected its commitment to conservation and sustainable tourism.

Rob Jarman, head of sustainability at the National Trust, said:
"Our ethos is to find the best available solutions to minimise the impact of buildings on the environment while maintaining their historical integrity."